Mrs. Ingrassia delivered her statement at the Rockford City Council, 12 December 2005.
Put Home Rule on the March ballot
Mayor Morrissey and aldermen, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak with you tonight about good governance and Home Rule.
I am Terry Ingrassia, a community volunteer. I am proud to have lived in the city of Rockford for more than 46 years, 44 of them in the same home. My husband Ted and I raised our three children here. I am honored to have served the city as 1st Ward alderman for three terms. I was on the City Council when the Home Rule issue was last voted on --almost 23 years ago. It was not retained.
In 1983, the Rockford area was reeling from a 25% unemployment rate — the highest in the nation, so although it was a huge disappointment, it was not a surprise that Home Rule was voted out.
The Illinois Constitution provides two ways for local governments to put the Home Rule question on the ballot at a general election:
- By petitions of electors
- By resolution of the local government
Both ways are legitimate and legal means for putting the issue before voters. In 1983, citizens chose the first way—by petition of voters. Now, citizens are asking the City Council to use the second method to legitimately put the Home Rule question before the voters at the primary election on the March 21, 2006.
The responsibility for putting this crucial question to a vote of your constituents lies on your door step. Ladies and gentlemen, it is one of the most important, if not the most important issue, to face any Rockford City Council in the past two decades. I am asking you to accept that responsibility and to do two things:
- Vote "aye" to put the Home Rule question on the March 21 ballot. Give your constituents the opportunity to vote on Home Rule. It is my understanding that only 20% of the current voters voted on the Home Rule referendum in 1983. That means that 80% of the current voters did not have a chance to vote on Home Rule almost 23 years ago. As alderman, by putting the Home Rule referendum on the ballot as requested, you will be helping voters to have their voices heard now.
- Use the time between now and the March primary election to listen to and address the concerns and suggestions of voters and to help educate the public about what Home Rule is and how Home Rule can be best implemented. Meet with the constituents in each of your Wards. As alderman, in this country's representative democracy, you serve in the government closest to the people — the city council.
A promising time for Rockford
This is a promising time for Rockford.
New leaders have emerged with vision, strategies and actions that involve the citizenry. People throughout the Rockford area are excited about the new generation of leaders who have stepped up to face the many challenges confronting our community.
What kind of community do we want to live in going forward? While Home Rule is not a panacea for all of Rockford's ills, being a Home Rule community means that we would have "the most advanced form of government available" for the city council to consider the best options to help turn our community's challenges into opportunities in our neighborhoods, schools, and businesses.
Not having Home Rule limits options and solutions. Our city council needs all the tools it can get to address the challenges, such as crime, blight, and truancy, as well as to address opportunities in economic development with leadership, flexibility and accountability.
Voters can to do their part in helping to address these challenges by voting to restore Rockford to a Home Rule community.
You have an opportunity to make this city the best it can be. Please put Home Rule on the ballot on March 21, as requested, so that your constituents can vote on Home Rule.
Thank you for your time, consideration and fine leadership.